SJDR - Empire Super Sprints

ESS
EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS
www.empiresupersprints.com

06/27/2007

Two Big Shows in Central, N.Y. this Weekend for the Stars and Cars of the Empire Super Sprints

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After five consecutive and successful Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series events for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and the tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports, its back to the Central, N.Y. this weekend for two big events. The half-milers of the Can-Am Motorsports Park and the Utica-Rome Speedway will kick off the week that celebrates our nation’s birthday.

Under the reins of Billy and Charlie Caprara, the fast oval in LaFargeville, N.Y. is enjoying one of its finest seasons for the promoting brother tandem. This Saturday night will mark the one and only appearance of the winged sprint cars and fans will get to see the very best ESS has to offer. Heading the list will defending champion and past winner at Can-Am in Alain Bergeron, former winners also to be on hand will be current ESS point leader Jeff VanDusen, two-time champ Lance Yonge, Justin Barger, Jessica Zemken, Dan Kaszubinski, Tim Kelly and Rick Wilson. Local favorite Jeff Cook will have two mounts on hand, one for himself and one for local modified pilot Scott Parliament.

Car Mate Custom Built Trailer heats will kick off the action followed by the Rt. 37 Building Supply/Walt’s Hobby Dash, the KSE Racing Products B-Main with the 25 lap A-Main as the finale of the evening.

The next night will see the winged warriors make their second of three trips to Gene Cole’s Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, N.Y. In the first visit, which kicked off the Jacobs Motorsports tour, Barger beat out former modified regular Jason Barney, VanDusen, Steve Poirier, who sits third in points, Jared Zimbardi and John Karklin Jr. All these stars along with Tommy Wickham, Mike Stelter, Bubby Kerrick, Michael Parent, Cory Sparks and many more will be on hand. Not only will there be fireworks in the air, but on the dirt as well as one of the closest early season point battles is under way.

The heat of Summer is rising and so is the mud slinging from the winged machines of the Empire Super Sprints where it has become tradition for 25 years of excitement guaranteed!!

For more information:
www.canammotorsports.com
www.uticaromespeedway.com
www.empiresupersprints.com

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Can-Am Motorsports Park.
July 30, 1987 John Brutcher
July 28, 1988 John Birosh
July 27, 1989 John Birosh
Aug. 2, 1990 Mal Lane
Aug. 1, 1991 Jeff Thomas
July 30, 1992 Tim Kelly
July 28, 1994 Mike Woodring
June 22, 1995 Craig Lane
June 19, 1996 Mike Woodring
June 19, 1997 George Suprick
June 18, 1998 Mike Woodring
June 24, 1999 Dan Kaszubinski
June 22, 2000 Dan Kaszubinski
June 21, 2001 Dan Kaszubinski
Aug. 25, 2001 Alain Bergeron
June 20, 2002 Ryan Coniam
Aug. 17, 2002 Dan Kaszubinski
May 29,2004 Rick Wilson
July 3, 2004 May 28,2005
Rick Wilson Lance Yonge
July 2, 2005 Dan Kaszubinski
May 27, 2006 Jessica Zemken
July 1, 2006 Justin Barger
July 27, 2006 Jeff VanDusen

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Utica Rome Speedway
May26, 1986 Dave Kelly
July 27, 1986 Bill Peri
May 25, 1987 Gordy Button
Oct. 3, 1987 Mike VanDusen
June 11, 1989 George Sifo
July 9, 1989 Rob Hart
Aug. 20, 1989 Mal Lane
July 8, 1990 Bob Podolak
Aug. 11, 1990 Jeff Thomas
Aug. 9, 1992 Lance Yonge
May 29, 1994 Bobby Parrow
May 26, 1996 Mike Woodring
Sept. 1, 1996 Mike Woodring
Sept. 2, 2001 Steve Dow
Sept. 1, 2002 Dan Kaszubinski
Oct. 9, 2002 Doug Emery
May 25, 2003 Mike Lutz
July 6, 2003 Justin Barger
Aug. 31, 2003 Justin Barger
May 30, 2004 Jeff VanDusen
July 4, 2004 Dan Kaszubinski
Sept. 5, 2004 Lance Yonge
May 29, 2005 Dan Kaszubinski
July 3, 2005 Mike Stelter
Sept. 4, 2005 Lance Yonge
May 28, 2006 Steve Poirier
July 23, 2006 Chuck Hebing
Sept. 3, 2006 Jeff VanDusen
May 27, 2007 Justin Barger

Bubby Kerrick ends Four Year Winless Streak with an Emotional Empire Super Sprint Triumph at Merrittville

THOROLD, ON – August 15, 2003, that was the date when Stanley, N.Y.’s Bubby Kerrick collected his one and only Empire Super Sprint (ESS) A-Main victory. The long dry spell was finally put to rest this past Saturday night when he won the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series event at the Merrittville Speedway in front of a standing room only crowd.

For Kerrick, not only did it end a winless streak that is mind boggling if you look at his number of top five and top ten finishes over the years, it gave him a chance to dedicate his efforts to his father who passed away a year and a half ago. The Kerrick team is sponsored by the same company that also backs the entire ESS tour, Jacobs Motorsports, which made the victory just that much more special.

“This just feels good, I really can’t put much if it in words. I got to dedicate the win to my dad, my wife and kids made the trip out for this race and there’s just so many people that have supported me over the past few years which has been very tough.” said Kerrick who tried his best to hold back the tears. “I shouldn’t be out here racing but with people like Ryan (Jacobs), Dave (Thompson), Sylvain (Mercier), they all have a piece of this team and keep the car on the track. There is just no way I can show how to thank them, but they don’t want thanks, they just want to see the team do well.”

The victory came a week after one of Kerrick’s biggest heart break losses of his career which was at Autodrome Drummond. With just three laps to go and a restart ready to start, Kerrick’s #4U Maxim was pacing the field. When the green lights came on, the fuel tank ran dry.

A simple seven days later, another lap 22 restart but this time there was nothing standing in the way to collect the second career win on the widely successful 360 sprint car tour. What makes this win full of irony? It came in the very same Maxim that he won back on that memorable August night.

“This is the same car I won my first race with. We destroyed our new car at the opener in Utica but I always had this frame. It’s a good car and I always felt comfortable in it.” Kerrick noted on the history of the machine. “Tonight I was good either high or low, it didn’t matter where I was on the track it just seemed fast.”

While it was a wire to wire triumph, Kerrick had the very best in the business trying to snatch the victory away. Take note of these names…defending champion Alain Bergeron, three-time winner in 2007 so far Jeff VanDusen and two-time champion Lance Yonge all he their sites on Kerrick’s mount in the closing stages and through lapped traffic.

While Bergeron did get under Kerrick once and the rest was a mere few car lengths away, there was no mistake made, no misfortune thrown his way, this Saturday night belonged to the quiet many from Central, N.Y. When the checkered flag was thrown, it Kerrick ahead of all his foes and shortly after it was his foes driving next to him to give him a well earned congratulations.

At the finish Kerrick leading Bergeron, the red hot VanDusen, who came from ninth, Yonge came from eighth to fourth with Justin Barger rounding out the top five. The next five was made up of the FM Industries mount of Steve Poirier, Jeff Cook, Blake Breen, who earned the Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger bonus after starting in 15th, local favorite Fred Cade and Tommy Wickham.

Four cautions, all minor in nature slowed the pace on the multi-grooved surface: On lap one, Cory Sparks stopped with a flat tire, Mike Stelter looped around in turn four on lap five with Tim Kelly stopping in turn four on lap 19. The final caution setting up the drama at the end was out for Jared Zimbardi who also spun around in the tricky turn four.

Taking the Car Mate Custom Built Trailers were Michael Parent, Barger and Cook with the Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel/Walt’s Hobby Dash won by Zimbardi. Joel Lehman took the KSE Racing Products B-Main.

MERRITTVILLE/ESS NOTES: A field of 23 sprints played host to a speedway where there wasn’t a seat to be had…Making first ESS starts of ’07 were the Breen Bros., Blake and Bobby, Joel Lehman, Tim Zack and Jay Pietz…The win gave Kerrick a guaranteed starting spot in the Pro-Syn Oil Genesee Scramble which will be held during the Western N.Y. 360 Shootout August 25th at the Genesee Speedway…Going into next weekend’s Central N.Y. swing, it’s VanDusen leading Yonge and Poirier in the overall points with VanDusen also leading the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series points…On Saturday the stars and cars of ESS will make a trip up to Caprara’s Can-Am Motorsports Park for the only sprint show of 2007 followed by the second of three visits to the Utica-Rome Speedway.

RESULTS:
Heat 1 – Michael Parent, Jared Zimbardi, Jeff VanDusen, Tommy Wickham, Blake Breen, Cory Sparks.
Heat 2 – Justin Barger, Alain Bergeron, Steve Poirier, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Tom Huppunen.
Heat 3 – Jeff Cook, Mike Stelter, Lance Yonge, Rob Pietz, Fred Cade, Bobby Breen.
Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel/Walt’s Hobby Dash – Zimbardi.
B-Main – Joel Lehman, Brad Malloy, Derek Jonathan, Tim Zack.
Did Not Qualify – Jay Pietz.

A-MAIN – BUBBY KERRICK, Alain Bergeron, Jeff VanDusen, Lance Yonge, Justin Barger, Steve Poirier, Jeff Cook, Blake Breen, Fred Cade, Tommy Wickham, Mike Stelter, Rob Pietz, Michael Parent, Tim Kelly, Tom Huppunen, Bobby Breen, Jared Zimbardi, Joel Lehman, Tim Zack, Derek Jonathan, Brad Malloy, Cory Sparks.

Gater News Lap Leader = Kerrick 1-25.
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals A-Main Bonus – Kerrick $100
National Parts Peddler Halfway – Kerrick $100
Les Constructions Ultra Blue Collar Award – VanDusen $100
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger Bonus – Blake Breen (7 pos.) $50
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Bergeron $50
HG Associates Pole Award – Kerrick $50
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Parent, Barger, Cook $25.

Winner’s Contingencies:
Sway-A-Way $105, Finish Line Racewear $100, Griffin Thermal Products $100, Mangus Pumps $100, Hank’s Performance Products $50, Kreitz Oval Track Products $50, Saldana Racing Products $50, Racing Optics $30, Rod End Supply $30, Brake Man $25, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse $20, Area Auto Racing News $20, Gater Racing News $20, Earl’s Indy $20, Ultra Shield $10, Pepsi Cola $5.
Other Contingencies:
Weld Racing Hard Luck – Sparks $100
Penske Shocks – Wickham $100
Finish Line Racewear – Bergeron $75, VanDusen $50
Design 500 – Barger $200, Lehman $200
ATL – VanDusen $100
M&W Aluminum Products – Barger $75
Leaf Racewear – VanDusen $75
Zemco Headers – Barger $50
Joe Hunt Magnetos – Malloy $50
Intense Fabrication and Design – Bergeron $50
Racing Optics – Bergeron $30
Wings Unlimited – Cook $25
DMI – Sparks $25
Pancho’s Racing Products – Cook $25
Ultra Shield – Bergeron $10
Pepsi Cola – Parent, Barger, Cook, Zimbardi, Lehman $5

Empire Super Sprint Points as of 6/23/07
1. Jeff VanDusen
621
2. Lance Yonge
582
3. Steve Poirier
574
4. Justin Barger
527
4. Jeff Cook
527
6. Alain Bergeron
509
7. Tommy Wickham
493
8. Mike Stelter
490
9. Bubby Kerrick
484
10. Michael Parent
479

Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series Points
1. Jeff VanDusen
513
2. Lance Yonge
495
3. Alain Bergeron
471
4. Steve Poirier
468
5. Jeff Cook
449
6. Tommy Wickham
446
7. Bubby Kerrick
422
8. Michael Parent
411
9. Mike Stelter
406
10. Justin Barger
401

Walt’s Hobby Dash Series Points
1. Alain Bergeron
21
2. Steve Poirier
15
3. Mike Stelter
9
4. Chuck Hebing
7
4. Jeff VanDusen
7

Gater News Lap Leader Points
1. Justin Barger
38
2. Jeff VanDusen
32
3. Bubby Kerrick
25
4. Jessica Zemken
20
5. Chuck Hebing
17

Make it a Canadian Hat Trick for Jeff VanDusen, Beats Justin Barger in a Wild Finish for ESS win at Ohsweken

OHSWEKEN, ON. – In an absolute thriller of an A-Main finish, Jeff VanDusen and Justin Barger swapped the lead twice on the final lap Friday night during the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series event for the Empire Super Sprints at the Ohsweken Speedway. With the big crowd on edge, it was VanDusen’s wild dive underneath in turn three while coming down for the checkered flag proving to be the winning move to collect his third feature victory in a row.

Even though he took the bridesmaid spot in the overall point standings the past two seasons, the second-generation VanDusen is out in force to improve that one spot on the tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports. Taking the lead from pole starting Barger on lap 15, his Maxim #56D appeared to be destined for that third consecutive victory until lapped cars came into play and Barger was able to close in to make it a finish for the history books.

“My car could only run way down on the bottom, if I moved up it would be way too loose. So when I came up to lap some cars I knew I might be in trouble.” VanDusen reflected on the closing stages. “I had to go up a lane to get by one car and Justin went under me in turn one to get by. I just tried to hit my line, drive hard down the backstretch and was able to do the same to him in turn three. It was tight down there but it worked and we are able to get three wins in a row.”

For VanDusen, who led the overall points coming into the event at the Glenn Styres promoted facility, it seems to be a season where there is a mission. “Of course your goal is the championship, especially since we were second two years in a row. But, we are out to do the best we car at every race, we have a good team right now where it’s all clicking.” said VanDusen. “Carl (Schultz, his owner) is giving me good equipment and having my dad come along this year has been a big help too. He just knows what will happen with the track, telling me where I should race or what to look for in changes. I think that little bit is helping me this year.”

By virtue of the nightly pill draw a full inversion of the field found Barger and VanDusen in the front row. When the green lights came on it was Barger taking control as he took to the high side of the fast 3/8ths mile oval. The high line wasn’t as good for VanDusen however as Steve Poirier swept by to the runner up slot on lap two. With his car not reacting, VanDusen took to the extreme inside and found a groove where his Gabriel’s IGA Market mount would be strong. He got back by Poirier on lap 11 and the challenge was on.

As the laps clicked on, VanDusen started to close in on the Barger and when lap 15 was going in the books he came out of four inching ahead for the lead. After that it was a classic chase, VanDusen down low, Barger up on he cushion slinging his mount in the corners. When the leading duo approached the slower cars the drama hit its peek on lap 24. With the white flag waving high in the air, Barger slipped under in turn one to grab the lead but it was VanDusen’s move in turn three that brought him to career win #11 on the ESS tour.

At the finish it was VanDusen by a narrow margin over Barger. Chuck Hebing came from his 12th place starting spot to third to collect the Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger bonus with Lance Yonge nipping Poirier for fourth. Rounding out the top ten were Michael Parent, Jeff Cook, Alain Bergeron, Mike Stelter with the Bliss Bros. #6 and Bubby Kerrick.

Just two cautions slowed the 25 lap A-Main: Stelter looped his sprinter on lap one collecting Fred Cade with only Stelter able to continue. On lap nine Jared Zimbardi also spun around but he too continued.

Taking the Car Mate Custom Built Trailers heats were Kerrick, Bergeron and Poirier, Poirier also won the Arrow Express/Walt’s Hobby Dash with Tom Huppunen winning the KSE Racing Products B-Main.

OHSWEKEN/ESS NOTES: A total of 24 sprints in the pits on a picture perfect night…Great support from the Southern Ontario Sprints and from Western Ontario with Huppunen, Cade, Kevin Job, Rob Pietz, Daryl Turford, Brad Malloy, Stan Zanchin and Derek Jonathan all making their first ESS starts of 2007…Jamie Collard made hard contact with the turn four wall and flipped over in heat three for the only red flag of the night…With the victory, VanDusen is a guaranteed starter in the Pro-Syn Oil Scramble held on August 25th at the Genesee Speedway…Along with VanDusen, Barger and Hebing will be a part of the Village Pizza Ohsweken Shootout held during the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals…ESS will be back at Ohsweken as a part of the very successful Nationals sponsored by Arrow Express on Sept. 14 & 15 where ESS star Steve Poirier is defending Nationals champion.

RESULTS:
Heat 1 – Bubby Kerrick, Jeff VanDusen, Tommy Wickham, Glenn Styres, Jared Zimbardi, Rob Pietz.
Heat 2 – Alain Bergeron, Lance Yonge, Justin Barger, Mike Stelter, Fred Cade, Daryl Turford.
Heat 3 – Steve Poirier, Chuck Hebing, Jeff Cook, Michael Parent, Kevin Job, Brad Malloy.
Arrow Express/Walt’s Hobby Dash – Poirier.
B-Main – Tom Huppunen, Cory Sparks, Stan Zanchin, Keith Dempster.
Did Not Qualify – Derek Jonathan, Jamie Collard.

A-MAIN – Jeff VanDusen, Justin Barger, Chuck Hebing, Lance Yonge, Steve Poirier, Michael Parent, Jeff Cook, Alain Bergeron, Mike Stelter, Bubby Kerrick, Rob Pietz, Jared Zimbardi, Tommy Wickham, Brad Malloy, Glenn Styres, Kevin Job, Keith Dempster, Tom Huppunen, Stan Zanchin, Cory Sparks, Daryl Turford, Fred Cade.

Gater News Lap Leaders – Barger 1-15, VanDusen 16-25.
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals A-Main Bonus – VanDusen $100
National Parts Peddler Halfway – Barger $100
Les Constructions Ultra Blue Collar Award – VanDusen $100
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger Bonus – Hebing (9 pos.) $50
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Barger $50
HG Associates Pole Award – Barger $50
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Kerrick, Bergeron, Poirier $25

Jeff VanDusen Doubles up on the Empire Super Sprint Weekend: Takes $2,000 to win A-Main at Cornwall

CORNWALL, ON – The big three race Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series weekend for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) just got a little bit better for Otego, N.Y.’s Jeff VanDusen. Coming off a blown engine Friday night at Autodrome Granby, the young star swept the last two events with his familiar #56D. The final victory came Sunday night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway which paid $2,000 to win for the West Front Construction sponsored A-Main. With the two wins, VanDusen took over the overall point lead on the tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports.

With the main Maxim sitting silent inside the trailer after Granby, the 2001 Eagle was put to the test and you can place an A plus on the report card by taking the final two checkers of ESS’ Canadian swing. While Drummond on Saturday night was a nail biter to the finish, Sunday VanDusen took the lead on lap seven and was never looking back beating two-time champion Lance Yonge to the checkered flag by a comfortable margin.

“I was real down after Friday, we had a real good car that night and after coming off a second place finish at Utica our hopes were high. But what can you do? We blew an engine and we are lucky to have a back-up car.” VanDusen reflecting back on the weekend. “This is a good car too, we got some luck on our side, made sure we had this one ready and we got two wins as well as the point lead after the weekend. Carl (Schultz, his car owner), my dad, so many people are into this deal and there’s just one goal…the championship.”

The VanDusen name has been the point’s bridesmaid all too often, Jeff the past two seasons with his father Mike doing the same in 1987-89 behind six-time ESS champion Mal Lane.

Jeff Cook led the field down in front of another big Cornwall crowd with his North Country Welding #10 looking for his third victory at the fast quarter-mile oval. He led the first six laps, but, when he hopped the wheel of a lapped car and shot off turn three it opened up the door for VanDusen. He had no troubles driving strait through taken command of the top spot. Not even three cautions, the challenge from Yonge or any other obstacle was to get in the way on this night.

With the double checkered flags waving high in the air, it was ESS career win #10 for VanDusen and his first ever at Cornwall. Yonge’s second place finish with his Johnson Farms sponsored #17J is best so far on the early 2007 season. Tommy Wickham collected three top five finishes on the weekend to lead the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series point’s, he took third followed by Alain Bergeron and Mike Stelter. Rounding out the top ten were local favorite Brian McDonald, whose family was the A-Main sponsor, Bubby Kerrick, Rick Wilson, Michael Parent and Justin Barger. For Barger, he collected the Lane’s Yamaha hard charger bonus and also the Les Constructions Ultra “Blue Collar” award after blowing his engine during the heat events. He then unloaded the back-up car and came from back of the field for the well earned top ten taking home an extra $150 in bonuses.

Three cautions that were all minor in nature slowed the pace: Cook and Steve Poirier slid off the track on lap 10 with April Wilson doing the same on lap 13. Ryan Jacobs looped his sprinter in turn four on lap 17 for the final caution.

Taking the Car Mate Custom Built Trailers heat events were Yonge, Bergeron and VanDusen with Bergeron copping the 730 Truck Stop/Walt’s Hobby Dash Series event.

ESS/CORNWALL NOTES: A field of 21 sprints closed out the big three race weekend…A welcome back to the father/daughter tandem of Rick and April Wilson for the first time in 2007. Also, tour sponsor Ryan Jacobs made his first appearance in his new Maxim and looked strong all night…Barger’s weekend was a long one indeed. After taking third Friday night at Granby, he drove over seven hours home to be in a wedding and then it was back eight plus hours to Cornwall on Sunday night….After engine problems the night before at Drummond, Jessica Zemken ran the Steve Poirier back-up mount on this night…Normand Beaudreault had troubles all night and didn’t answer the A-Main starting call…ESS will make one more visit to Cornwall on Sunday July 15th…Next weekend it’s two more Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series events in Lucas Oil’s back yard. Friday its off to Glenn Styres’ Ohsweken Speedway followed by a long awaited return to the Merrittville Speedway on Saturday night.

RESULTS:
Heat 1 – Lance Yonge, Steve Poirier, Brian McDonald, Bubby Kerrick, Jessica Zemken, Jamie Collard, April Wilson.
Heat 2 – Alain Bergeron, Rick Wilson, Jeff Cook, Mike Stelter, Cory Sparks, Glenn Styres, Ryan Jacobs.
Heat 3 – Jeff VanDusen, Tommy Wickham, Michael Parent, Keith Dempster, Justin Barger, Lori Cook.
730 Truck Stop/Walt’s Hobby Dash – Bergeron.
Did Not Start – Normand Beaudreault

A-MAIN – JEFF VanDUSEN, Lance Yonge, Tommy Wickham, Alain Bergeron, Mike Stelter, Brian McDonald, Bubby Kerrick, Rick Wilson, Michael Parent, Justin Barger, Glenn Styres, Cory Sparks, Steve Poirier, Jessica Zemken, Jeff Cook, Jamie Collard, Keith Dempster, Ryan Jacobs, April Wilson, Lori Cook.

Gater News Lap Leaders – Cook 1-6, VanDusen 7-25.
West Front Construction A-Main Bonus – VanDusen $350.
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals A-Main Bonus – VanDusen $100.
National Parts Peddler Halfway Bonus – VanDusen $100.
Les Constructions Ultra Blue Collar Award – Barger $100.
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger Bonus – Barger $50.
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Yonge $50
HG Associates Pole Award – Cook $50.
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Yonge, Bergeron, VanDusen $25.

Jeff VanDusen Takes Advantage of Bubby Kerrick’s Misfortune to win the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series Event for the Empire Super Sprints at Drummond

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC – It all came down to a lap 22 restart in the Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main when Bubby Kerrick was ready to pace the field down to Danny Mulligan’s green flag. The Jacobs Motorsports #4U took off at the drop of the green flag but then sputtered severely to a near stall. When the next lap was scored it was Otego, N.Y.’s Jeff VanDusen in the lead and he held off local favorite Steve Poirier to win the 25 lap Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series event for the Empire Super Sprints at Autodrome Drummond on Saturday night.

Kerrick, who also took advantage of a misfortune by Jessica Zemken who lost her front wing while leading, was in position to break a winless streak that has lasted nearly four years. But, when his sprinter faltered shortly after taking off, the hopes of the $2,000 victory were gone. The reason? “I ran out of fuel.” simply said by Kerrick who ended up finishing 11th in the final run down.

For VanDusen, it was a nice reward after hurting an engine the night before at Granby. Using the back-up ProSpas sponsored Eagle he was ready to make a bid for the lead before the red flag was thrown on lap 22. “I was going to give it a shot. I don’t know if I was going to get Bubby but it was going to be a good race to the finish.” said the 23 year old, second generation driver. “I was set for the restart and all of a sudden he (Kerrick) didn’t go and he moved up to the wall. I just missed hitting him, I mean it was real close. I got out front and then I just went a hard as I could to try to get the win.”

The victory was his ninth on the tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports, but the Eagle car he did it in has a unique story. “It’s a 2001 model that was all bent up and just sitting up in a garage from a friend to Florida. He just gave it to us.” VanDusen mentioned on the tale of the sprinter. “We clipped it and used it for a few races. It’s a good car and I felt comfortable in it. Carl (Schultz, VanDusen’s car owner) doesn’t quite have our back-up ready so dad decided to bring this car we own for a just in case. I’m glad we did!”

Zemken’s Doug Emery wrenched Maxim took off from its outside pole starting spot and she opened up huge lead on the field. By the halfway mark, the 21 year old female sensation had nearly a half track lead and was looking to collect her second career win on the ESS trail. Just as it was looking like a simple drive down the road, her front wing was starting to break free. In a few laps it was standing on end and her vision was being blocked causing her to lose ground rapidly.

With Zemken slowing, Kerrick, VanDusen and Poirier were closing it and soon it was a four car battle for the lead. On lap 21, Kerrick was the first to break free and take control of the lead with VanDusen and Poirier doing the same shortly after. As the red lights were shown on the 22nd tour, it set up the three lap drama to the checkered flag.

The stage was set until the Kerrick machine stumbled adding the major twist to the plot. At the finish it was VanDusen home first with Poirier close behind after starting 14th to collect the Lane’s Yamaha hard charger bonus, the Mike’s Drive-In #6 of Mike Stelter took third followed by Jeff Cook and Tommy Wickham. Making up the next ten were Zemken (who ripped off her front wing during the lap 22 red), the Les Constructions Ultra #25 or Michael Parent, Quebec modified star David Hebert as a teammate to Poirier, Brian McDonald and Lance Yonge.

Two red flags did stop the action in the 25 lap A-Main: On lap one second place running Russ Bennett lost his front axle which caused him to hit the turn three wall and flip over. With his car blocking the track Alain Bergeron, Jamie Collard, Daniel Lampron and Normand Beaudreault also were collected. None were able to return. On lap 22, Cory Sparks made hard contact with the turn four wall flipping high in the air. All drivers were uninjured in both accidents.

Taking the $25 to win Car Mate Custom Built Trailers heat events were Poirier, Stelter and Sparks with Poirier also claiming the Babe Design/Walt’s Hobby Dash event where he took home another $100.

ESS/DRUMMOND NOTES: A nice field of 24 sprints in the pits in front a full Drummond grandstand…Not only was Hebert making his first ever ESS appearance in a sprint, but so was another modified star in Yan Bussiere as a teammate to Alain Bergeron. Both drivers looked right at home in the winged machines…The third driver making her first ever ESS start was Lori Cook, wife of ESS star Jeff Cook and daughter of ESS legend Adrian Flath. She became the fifth female driver to run an ESS point event…Just after winning the dash, Poirier was also presented the 2006 360 sprint car rookie of the year award from the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, the capacity crowd gave him a big ovation…The stars and cars from the Jacobs Motorsports Tour will make two more Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series stops at Drummond on July 28th and Sept. 1st.

RESULTS:
Heat 1 – Steve Poirier, Bubby Kerrick, Jeff VanDusen, Jessica Zemken, Keith Dempster, Jamie Collard.
Heat 2 – Mike Stelter, Alain Bergeron, Russ Bennett, Tommy Wickham, David Hebert, Lance Yonge.
Heat 3 – Cory Sparks, Jeff Cook, Michael Parent, Daniel Lampron, Brian McDonald, Yan Bussiere.
Babe Design/Walt’s Hobby Dash – Poirier.
Did Not Qualify – Rich Van Keuren, Lori Cook.

A-MAIN – JEFF VanDUSEN, Steve Poirier, Mike Stelter, Jeff Cook, Tommy Wickham, Jessica Zemken, Michael Parent, David Hebert, Brian McDonald, Lance Yonge, Bubby Kerrick, Anthony Cain, Glenn Styres, Cory Sparks, Kayle Robidoux, Yan Bussiere, Keith Dempster, Russ Bennett, Alain Bergeron, Daniel Lampron, Jamie Collard, Normand Beaudreault.

Gater News Lap Leaders – Zemken 1-20, Kerrick 21-22, VanDusen 23-25.
Fondations 4 Saisons – VanDusen $200.
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals – VanDusen $100.
National Parts Peddler Halfway – Zemken $100.
Les Constructions Ultra – Cook $100.
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger – Poirier $50.
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Poirier $50.
HG Associates Pole Award – Bennett $50.
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Poirier, Stelter, Sparks $50.

Chuck Hebing Takes Borrowed Ride to Empire Super Sprint Victory Lane at Autodrome Granby; Collects over $2,000 for the first Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series Event

GRANBY – QC – Over the past few seasons, there’s been little doubt recognizing Ontario, N.Y.’s Chuck Hebing as one of the top sprint car drivers in the Northeast and Canada. On Friday night, a standing room only crowd at Autodrome Granby witnessed a solid effort from start to finish as he won the first Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series event for the Empire Super Sprint (ESS) tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports. What made the feat noteworthy is that he did it in a car he never even sat in until the evening as a teammate to Jeff Cook.

In a deal struck a little over week ago, Cook prepared a mount, albeit, a brand new Maxim for Hebing to drive at Granby as he would have to leave Canada right after the event was over. “We talked about this a little while back. I always wanted to run here, I came once but got rained out and this time I’m still in the ESS inversion so I wanted to give it a shot.” noted Hebing. “Jeff got the car ready and brought it up, I just had to drive my car and bring my helmet and that was it.”

Hebing showed speed early by winning the second heat of the night but still had to make some changes before the 25 lap, $2,000 to win Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main took the green flag. “We made some small changes after the heat, it was there but just not quite what I thought we could get out of the car.” Hebing mentioned on the preparation of the night. “We got them done and it was a smooth A-Main. I got by Alain (Bergeron) then just tried to stay out of trouble and it worked out.”

The field was brought down to the green flag by hard luck Russ Bennett in his Spectro Oils #65 and local favorite Bergeron in front of the packed house. Bergeron’s Coffrage Daniel Lampron backed #8B took charge to lead the opening lap and he quickly opened up some distance on the field looking for his first career victory at Granby.

Hebing started in third but it just took him two laps to sling by Bennett to start he chase on the defending ESS champion. Lapped traffic started to figure into the action and that is where Hebing made his move. Coming off turn two, Bergeron got held up just a bit and the door opening was enough for the pass as lap nine was scored. “I got slowed up just enough and that was all he needed.” quipped the French-Canadian favorite. “I tried to get close enough to maybe pass him back but couldn’t, he was better than me tonight.”

Not even a lap 16 caution hindered Hebing’s quest as he flew under the checkered flag to collect ESS career win number four. Bergeron came back from his opening night flip at Utica-Rome to claim second ahead of Uitca winner Justin Barger, who charged from thirteenth to take home the Lane’s Yamaha hard charger bonus. Cook was in for fourth to make for a memorable night for the Antwerp, N.Y. star with Tommy Wickham taking fifth. Rouding out the top ten were two-time champion Lance Yonge, Steve Poirier, Cory Sparks, another Quebec native in Michael Parent and Bennett.

Only two cautions (the only two of the entire evening) slowed the Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main pace: Brian McDonald looped his sprinter on lap three collecting Keith Dempster and Anthony Cain. Only McDonald did not restart. Mike Stelter made contact with the wall in turn two to bring out the lap 16 yellow.

ESS/GRANBY NOTES – A total of 23 sprints in the pits for the first of three visits at Autodrome Granby…Making their first starts for 2007 on the Jacobs Motorsports Tour were McDonald, Quebec’s Daniel Lampron and Kayle Robidoux, Ohsweken Speedway owner/promoter Glenn Styres as well as teammate Keith Dempster, Jamie Collard made the tow from Western Ontario as well with Rich Van Keuren coming out of a seven year retirement to run the Ryan Jacobs sprinter…Jeff VanDusen broke his cam in the engine while pushing off for the A-Main, he didn’t take the green and Van Keuren was added as the alternate…Jessica Zemken also had engine problems under the pace lap which saw her give up her fourth place starting spot to start in the rear…The 10 lap Mira Foundation race for the blind was again a big hit with many television personalities from Montreal on hand taking a liking to the winged warriors…The stars and cars from ESS will make two more visits to the fast half-mile on July 27th and Aug. 30th.

ESS RESULTS:
Heat 1 – Michael Parent, Justin Barger, Lance Yonge, Russ Bennett, Cory Sparks, Normand Beaudreault, Glenn Styres.
Heat 2 – Chuck Hebing, Jessica Zemken, Steve Poirier, Kayle Robidoux, Mike Stelter, Keith Dempster, Jamie Collard, Rich Van Keuren.
Heat 3 – Alain Bergeron, Jeff Cook, Jeff VanDusen, Tommy Wickham, Brian McDonald, Bubby Kerrick, Daniel Lampron,

A-MAIN – CHUCK HEBING, Alain Bergeron, Justin Barger, Jeff Cook, Tommy Wickham, Lance Yonge, Steve Poirier, Cory Sparks, Michael Parent, Russ Bennett, Glenn Styres, Anthony Cain, Bubby Kerrick, Jamie Collard, Daniel Lampron, Normand Beaudreault, Kayle Robidoux, Mike Stelter, Keith Dempster, Jessica Zemken, Brian McDonald, Rich Van Keuren.

Gater News Lap Leaders – Bergeron 1-8, Hebing 9-25.
Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main Bonus – Hebing $200
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals A-Main Bonus – Hebing $100
National Parts Peddler Halfway – Hebing $100
Les Constructions Ultra Blue Collar – Wickham $100
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger – Barger (10 pos.) $50
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Bergeron $50.
HG Associates Pole Award – Bennett $50
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Parent, Hebing, Bergeron $25.

The Empire Super Sprint Season Kicks into High Gear with the First Three Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Events: All Three Stops will Pay $2,000 to Win

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After a very successful opening event for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and the tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports, the 25th season now goes full bore with the first three Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series events. It all kicks off on Friday night, June 15th with a visit to Autodrome Granby followed by a stop to Autodrome Drummond with the Cornwall Motor Speedway closing out the weekend. All three 25 lap A-Mains will pay $2,000 to the winner.

With a record point fund awaiting the stars and cars of ESS for the Canadian Invasion Series, these three events will be key to a good start in the Lucas Oil backed series as well as the overall ESS championship.

On Friday night, it will mark the first of three visits to the fast half-mile located southeast of Montreal. Along with the special travel tow bonus as well as A-Main sponsorship from Fondations 4 Saisons, the winner will see a cool $2,000 in their pay envelope. With the travel bonus included, teams should note that this event will also pay $450 just to take the green. The Poirier family owns Fondations 4 Saisons and Steve Poirier will be one of the favorites in the pits at Granby. He will be joined by past Granby winners which include two-time champion Lance Yonge, Mike Stelter, John Karklin Jr., Jeff VanDusen as well as local favorites Michael Parent, Kayle Robidoux, Daniel Lampron and Normand Beaudreault.

Three Car Mate Custom Built Trailer heat events will kick off the action followed by the KSE Racing Products B-Main and the 25 lap Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main. Not only will the winged sprint cars add to the excitement but the annual Fondation Mira race for the blind which last year saw the largest crowd in Granby history on hand.

The next night at Autodrome Drummond, located north of Montreal, the fans will see another exciting $2,000 to win, $450 to start A-Main once again backed by Fondations 4 Saisons. In the field will be past winners such as defending ESS champion Alain Bergeron, Jeff Cook, Nick Fratto along with the first ever sprint car start for DIRTCar 358 modified star David Hebert aboard the back up Poirier sprinter. The Walt’s Hobby Dash Series event sponsored by Andre Bedard and Babe Design will add to the excitement which is also the first of three at Canada’s oldest running dirt track.

After two nights in Quebec, it’s across the line to the province of Ontario to the ultra-quick quarter-mile Cornwall Motor Speedway for the first of two stops at the Ron Morin facility. With A-Main sponsorship from the McDonald family and West Front Construction, this will be the third event in as many nights that pays $2,000 to win. With the added travel tow bonus included at Cornwall, the A-Main will also pay $300 to take the green flag. Faithful race supporters and sponsors of the Bubby Kerrick sprint car, 730 Truck Stop, will sponsor the Walt’s Hobby Dash Series event on this night. Joining Brian McDonald and Kerrick in the field will be second in points after Utica-Rome Jason Barney, past winners at Cornwall Rick Wilson, Don Sharp Jr. as well as Cory Sparks, Tommy Wickham and many others.

Three nights, three tracks, three places where it will be excitement guaranteed!! The Empire Super Sprint Tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports is ready to rock and roll. Granby, Drummond, Cornwall, the winged warriors are coming to your house!

For more information, please log on to:
www.autodrome-granby.qc.ca
www.autodrome-drummond.com
www.cornwallspeedway.com
www.empiresupersprints.com

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Autodrome Granby
June 17, 1994
Roger Horvath
June 23, 1995
Mike Woodring
Sept. 1, 1995
Craig Keel
June 21, 1996
Mike Woodring
June 20, 1997
Mike Woodring
Aug. 29, 1997
Bobby Parrow
June 19, 1998
Mike Woodring
Sept. 4, 1998
Lance Yonge
June 25, 1999
Mike Stelter
Sept. 3, 1999
Lance Yonge
June 23, 2000
Mike Woodring
Sept. 1, 2000
Mike Stelter
June 21, 2002
Mike Woodring
Aug. 30, 2002
Mike Woodring
June 20, 2003
Mike Woodring
June 18, 2004
John Karklin Jr.
Sept. 3, 2004
John Karklin Jr.
July 29, 2005
Lance Yonge
June 16, 2006
Doug Emery
July 28, 2006
Steve Poirier
Sept. 1, 2006
Jeff VanDusen

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Autodrome Drummond
May 19, 1984
Gordy Button and Dave Leckonby
June 19, 1994
Tom Taber
June 24, 1995
Mike Woodring
Sept. 2, 1995
Mike Woodring
Aug. 30, 1997
Mike Woodring
June 20, 1998
Mike Woodring
Sept. 5, 1998
Tim Kelly
June 26, 1999
Mike Woodring
Sept. 4, 1999
Dan Kaszubinski
June 24, 2000
Mike Stelter
Sept. 1, 2001
Alain Bergeron
July 22, 2002
Dan Kaszubinski
Sept. 1, 2002
Bill Coffey
June 21, 2003
Lance Yonge
Aug. 30, 2003
Jeff VanDusen
June 19, 2004
Alain Bergeron
Sept. 4, 2004
June 18, 2005
Jeff Cook
Jeff VanDusen
July 30, 2005
Alain Bergeron
Sept. 3, 2005
Lance Yonge
June 17, 2006
July 29, 2006
Justin Barger
Nick Fratto
Sept. 2, 2006
Dan Kaszubinski

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Cornwall Motor Speedway
Sept. 16, 1984
Jon King
May 16, 1993
Jeff Thomas
May 22, 1994
Adrian Flath
June 11, 1995
Mike Woodring
June 9, 1996
Gary Drum
June 8, 1997
Jeff Thomas
June 7, 1998
Dan DeCracker
June 6, 1999
Chris Shuttleworth
June 4, 2000
Alain Bergeron
June 8, 2001
George Ely
July 21, 2002
Lance Yonge
Aug. 18, 2002
Mike Lutz
June 8, 2003
Bill Bailey
June 13, 2004
Jeff Cook
Aug. 22, 2004
Dan Kaszubinski
June 19, 2005
Rick Wilson
July 17, 2005
Jeff Cook
June 18, 2006
Steve Poirier
July 16, 2006
Don Sharp Jr.

Empire Super Sprint Stars Head to Shot Drop/Rislone Nationals at the Famed Williams Grove Speedway.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The good friends from the United Racing Company (URC) and the Williams Grove Speedway have extended an invitation to all Empire Super Sprint (ESS) teams to participate in the second annual Shot Drop/ Rislone Nationals held this Friday at the history filled Williams Grove Speedway. The 25 lap event will pay the winner a cool $4,000 while the purse will also reward $1,000 for tenth and $300 to take the green.

Several top names from ESS will be making the trip south to battle the best from URC as well as Williams Grove's own 358 sprints. Heading the list will be defending champion Alain Bergeron as he will make the long haul from St. Pie, Quebec. Following Bergeron down from the French speaking province will be top running Steve Poirier who is coming off a five win season in 2006. Runner-up in points the previous two years is second generation Jeff VanDusen and he will be making the trip down with the Carl Schultz owned #56D. Also in the field representing the tour sponsored by Jacobs Motorsports is another sophomore hot shoe in Jason Barney, who took second in the ESS opener at Utica-Rome. The winner of that opening event Justin Barger will have his black Maxim in the pits as well along with New York native Blase' Regina.

These tough chauffeurs from north of the border and the Empire State will take on stars such as defending Nationals champion Pat Cannon, URC defending titlist Curt Michael, current URC point leader Justin Collett, Ed Aikin, Blane Heimbach, current 358 point leader at the Grove Nate Hammaker along with a slew of some 50 other winged sprint car teams.

The event is open competition with time trials kicking off the evening followed by the heat events, C & B Mains all leading up to the 25 lap National event Williams Grove is rich in history and many of the drivers mentioned will be making their first ever appearance at the famed big, half-mile oval.

For more information on the Shot Drop/Rislone Nationals, please log on to www.williamsgrove.com or www.urcsprints.com where on Friday June 8th, it will be an ESS tradition of excitement guaranteed!!

Justin Barger Beats Weather and All Challengers to Claim Empire Super Sprint Opener at Utica-Rome
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com

VERNON, N.Y. – The 25th season for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports kicked off Sunday night at a familiar place, the Utica-Rome Speedway. Defeating “Mother Nature” and a talent filled field of winged sprint car stars was Montrose, N.Y.’s Justin Barger. Taking the lead on lap three, the 23 year old chauffer fought through lapped traffic and a stiff challenge from Jason Barney to pick up career win number nine on the ESS trail.

Despite many curves that was thrown in by nature, which included high winds, heavy rain and a wild thunderstorm, both Utica-Rome and ESS officials wasn’t ever waving the white flag and at the end of the night a fast, near record breaking surface produced a wild A-Main.

For Barger it was a stout effort, starting in Florida in February the AEM Performance Technology Maxim has been a busy machine where it came back to the native Empire State to claim the ESS opening event. “The car was just awesome; we had a good set up for the heavy track. I like it that way, hold your foot down and just let it loose.” noted Barger on his effort that lasted until the early hours of Monday. “We had a good draw so we knew we had a good chance tonight. I just wanted to get out, through lapped traffic and see if we can bring the car in for a win.”

That was indeed what played out. Starting on the outside front row by virtue of the open draw for the first event of 2007, he took the lead from pole sittin’ Mike Stelter on lap three. Barney’s Walton’s Farm and Auto Repair #87 did the same on lap four and the chase was on. It was a 21 lap battle to the end on a lightning fast ½ mile.

Barney, the sophomore sensation, made it an interesting affair pulling within a few car lengths several times which got the attention of the home town crowd. Lapped traffic was also key in determining the outcome but even though all the curves were thrown at Barger, which included one final caution on the last lap, this was to be his night. Winning the event for his dad who is home for health reasons, Barger gave him the good news. “I gave my dad a call, it was hard for him to stay awake but when I told him we won he was happy”.

Barney’s runner-up finish proves that this exciting driver is loaded for bear in ’07. Jeff VanDusen made a crowd pleasing late race charge to place third after starting in 15th to earn the Lane’s Yamaha hard charger bonus. Another sophomore sensation, Steve Poirier, picked up where he left off in 2006 to place fourth with the young Jared Zimbardi having a good night taking fifth place money after starting in 17th. Rounding out the top ten were John Karklin Jr., two-time champion Lance Yonge, Stelter, Jeff Cook and the Spectro Oils #92M of Doug Norrie.

Four cautions and one red flag did slow the pace: Anthony Cain spun around on the initial start. The restart proved disastrous for many top stars as the field got bunched up with several cars getting together. Defending champion Alain Bergeron found his car flipping into turn one. Also collected were heat winners Chuck Hebing and Dan Kaszubinski along with Russ Bennett and Normand Beaudreault, the damage was heavy enough that all cars were out for the rest of the A-Main. Third place running Jessica Zemken came to a stop on lap three and the same happened for then fourth place running Tommy Wickham on lap 23. Cain looped his sprinter again on lap 24 making for the exciting one lap dash to the finish.

The Car Mate Custom Trailers heat events were won by Hebing, Kaszubinski and Barney. The KSE Racing Products B-Main was claimed by Doug Norrie with the Speedway Performance/Walt’s Hobby Dash event postponed because of weather concerns until July 1st when ESS returns to Gene Cole’s oval.

ESS/Utica-Rome Notes: Even with severe weather warnings all throughout New York State, a fine field of 28 sprints made the tow to Vernon in celebration of the Memorial Day weekend…Making first ever ESS starts were Quebec resident and former mini-sprint driver Beaudreault who qualified for the A-Main in his first ever sprint car start. Also, CRSA star Jami Russell was in the pits with his sharp #27J…On the night, Barger collected $2,330 in cash and bonuses…Bubby Kerrick was also a flip victim after a suspension piece broke in the first heat. While ESS tour sponsor Ryan Jacobs was unable to attend, his car was put into duty as Kerrick’s back-up mount…Canadian Brian McDonald was en route when his hauler broke down forcing him to miss the first event…Next on the docket for the stars and cars of ESS will be an invite to the famed Williams Grove Speedway on Friday June 8th for the annual $4,000 to win Shot Drop Nationals. Several ESS stars having interest in taking on the best of the Untied Racing Company and the Central Pa. 358’s include Barger, Barney, VanDusen, Poirier and Bergeron. The next point shows will then take place on June 15-17 where the first three events of the Lucas Oil Canadian Invasion Series gets started with visits to Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond followed by a visit to the Cornwall Motor Speedway where all three events pay $2,000 to win.

RESULTS:
Heat 1 - Chuck Hebing, Steve Poirier, Jessica Zemken, Mike Stelter, Jeff Cook, Michael Parent.
Heat 2 - Dan Kaszubinski, Tim Kelly, Alain Bergeron, Cory Sparks, Anthony Cain, Jared Zimbardi.
Heat 3 - Jason Barney, Justin Barger, Russ Bennett, John Karklin Jr., Jeff VanDusen, Lance Yonge.
Speedway Performance/Walt's Hobby Dash - Postponed to July 1st.
B-Main - Doug Norrie, Tommy Wickham, Don Sharp Jr., Normand Beaudreault.
Added Starters - Bubby Kerrick, Nick Fratto.
Did Not Qualify - Warren Alexson, Jami Russell, Matt Norrie, Blase' Regina.

A-Main - Justin Barger, Jason Barney, Jeff VanDusen, Steve Poirier, Jared Zimbardi, John Karklin Jr., Lance Yonge, Mike Stelter, Jeff Cook, Doug Norrie, Michael Parent, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Anthony Cain, Don Sharp Jr., Tommy Wickham, Cory Sparks, Nick Fratto, Jessica Zemken, Russ Bennett, Alain Bergeron, Dan Kaszubinski, Chuck Hebing, Normand Beaudreault.

Gater News Lap Leaders – Stelter 1-2, Barger 3-25.
Bonuses:
Canadian Sprint Car Nationals – Barger $100.
National Parts Peddler Halfway – Barger $100.
Les Constructions Ultra Blue Collar Award – Zimbardi $100.
Lane’s Yamaha Hard Charger – VanDusen (12 pos.) $50.
Cook’s Contracting Bridesmaid Bonus – Barney $50.
HG Associates Pole Award – Stelter $50.
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heats – Hebing, Kaszubinski, Barney $25.
Winner’s Contingencies:
Sway-A-Way $105, Penske Shocks $100, Mangus Pumps $100, Hank’s Performance Products $50, Kreitz Oval Track Products $50, Saldana Racing Products $50, Racing Optics $30, Rod End Supply $30, Brake Man $25, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse $20, Area Auto Racing News $20, Gater Racing News $20, Earl’s Indy $20, Ultra Shield $10, Pepsi Cola $5.
Other Contingencies:
Weld Racing Hard Luck – Kerrick $100
Design 500 – Zimbardi $200, Norrie $200
Finish Line Racewear – Barger $100, Barney $75, VanDusen $50
ATL – VanDusen $100
M&W Aluminum Products – Sharp Jr. $75
Leaf Racewear – Poirier $75
KSE Racing Products – Norrie $50
Zemco Headers – Zimbardi $50
Joe Hunt Magnetos – Hebing $50
Racing Optics – Barney $30
Wings Unlimited – Yonge $30
DMI – Beaudreault $25
Pancho’s Racing Products – Yonge $25
Ultra Shield – Barney $10
Pepsi Cola – Hebing, Kaszubinski, Barney, Norrie $5.

Over $130,000 in Sponsorships Await Sprint Teams with the Empire Super Sprints; The 25th Season Boasts a New Record
By Dean Reynolds
DeanR@empiresupersprints.com

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The dollar amount of $130,955 stands out for all race teams that enter an Empire Super Sprint (ESS) event for 2007. As the successful 360 sprint car organization gets ready to embark on its 25th consecutive year of winged sprint car racing, race teams will see the sponsorship total at a record high which includes over $40,000 in cash.

Heading the list is new tour sponsor Jacobs Motorsports, Ryan Jacobs is not only a very successful North Country businessman but he will also be a sprint car rookie by driving in many ESS events this season. The tour brought to you by Jacobs Motorsports will see total point fund monies top the $30,000 mark which was handed out last season and Jacobs Motorsports is a big part of that figure.

Also new for the upcoming season is the addition of Lucas Oil Products from Mississauga, Ont. as the title sponsor of the Canadian Invasion Series. A total of 15 of the 31 events will be held north of the border and a record point fund of at least $5,000 for the Canadian Invasion points will be handed out at the annual awards banquet held this year on November 10th.

As mentioned in a earlier release, many nightly cash sponsors will boost the already record A-Main purse: Those sponsors include returnees of Car Mate Trailers sponsoring each heat event, the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals will back the A-Main winners bonus, Lane’s Yamaha will be the nightly hard charger sponsor again and also a $1,000 point fund for the new hard charger points has been set up. The National Parts Peddler Newspaper will again sponsor the nightly halfway bonus to each driver leading on lap 13.

New cash sponsors for this year are Les Constructions Ultra with the “Blue Collar” award each night, Cook’s Contracting Services will take over the “Bridesmaid” bonus for each race with HG Associates sponsoring the nightly pole award. A-Main sponsors for 2007 will include 4 Saisons Fondations, Northwood 2 Construction and West Front Construction, with their help, 11 events pay $2,000 to win. Additional Point fund sponsorships also come from Hoosier Racing Tires, Brodix Cylinder Heads and Gater Racing News. Special cash awards at the banquet also come from Jereco Competition Engines with the Rookie of the Year award and Don Ott Engines with the Most Improved Award

Many associate sponsors have been with the ESS sponsorship family over the years and they continue with their welcomed, dedicated support. That list includes: M&W Aluminum Products, Maxim Racing, Racing Optics, J&J Racing, Design 500, KSE Racing Products, DMI, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Hank’s Performance Products, ATL Fuel Cells, Simpson Safety, DSR Fuel Systems, Babe Design, Big Guy Fortier Photography, Schoenfeld Headers, Winters, Kreitz Oval Track Products, Area Auto Racing News, Wings Unlimited, Leaf Racewear, Rod End Supply, MRE Productions, Pepsi Cola, Joe Hunt Magnetos, FX Caprara Car Companies, Randy’s Racing Filters, Earl’s Indy, Zemco Headers, Ingles Performance, Saldana Racing Products, Usherwood Copy Products, Ultra-Shield, Weld Racing, Action Sport Shirts, Brake Man and Penske Racing Shocks. Many of these fine contributors have been with ESS for over a decade and are a big part of the success of ESS.

This years listing of new sponsors is at an all-time high which includes: Finish Line Racewear, LaSalle Motorsports, GME Manufacturing/Nields Steering, JE Pistons, The Joie of Seating, Intense Fabrication and Design, Sway-A-Way, Pancho’s Racing Products, Barnes Oil Systems, Fast Axle, Fast Wings, MSD Ignition, VMAC Racing Products, Bobby Hilbert Sportswear, Mangus Precision Pumps and Jerry’s Auto Specialties. Many of these companies will be a part of a major sponsorship program for the awards banquet which will be announced in a few weeks to reward the teams that support ESS over the 2007 racing season.

Entering 25 years of winged sprint car excitement in the US and Canada. Bergeron, Yonge, VanDusen, Poirier, Kerrick, Stelter, Cook, Sharp Jr. and many, many more, they are the stars and cars of ESS and they will be coming to a dirt track near you. Visit www.empiresupersprints.com where it is always excitement guaranteed!!